Month: October 2015

I helped a neighbor validate her above ground results correlating them to underground biological conditions. She was testing a control of sterilized potting soil with commercial and home made IMO inoculants and also the effectiveness of biochar in stimulating biological growth.

The above ground growth perfectly correlated with the soil biology. More growth = more biology.

We noticed the sample with biochar and IMO had the presence of amoebas, which help to eat the bacteria and make nutrients available in a plant available form. Also, the samples with char had active biology, where all the other samples all of the biology was inactive.

Great to know that the microscope backs up what we intuitively know. Better growth = better biology.

Our October 2015 Natural Farming Hawai’i meeting featured James Rushing presenting his University of Hawai’i thesis project on the study of something similar to IMO#4. The results show that to get a full benefit, connecting to the soil and properly using the recommended Soil Treatment Solution may go further to boosting your plant’s performance in trials.

I added my mana’o on how to properly activate your IMO with a simple solution.

In Search of Balance explores a new paradigm of health, science and medicine that recognizes the importance of the interconnections between us, the food we consume, how we produce that food and the natural world at large, including the mysterious, invisible world of the human microbiome.

At a genetic level, humans are literally connected to the rest of the natural world through our DNA. But today’s highly processed foods, pesticide based monoculture farming methods, increasing urbanization, obsession with technology and destruction of the natural environment distance us further and further from the world we coevolved with. We are out of balance with nature and the reductionist philosophy of modern western medicine, once immensely powerful, seems inadequate to answer today’s challenges.

The explosive growth of technology is driving profound changes in every aspect of human civilization. The benefits of our new found electronic interconnectivity are incalculable. But modernization seems to come with a price tag, especially when it comes to our health. Could the tsunami of chronic and autoimmune diseases that modern societies face be related to our increasing disconnection from nature?

Maybe it is time to look at our health problems from a new perspective, one based on an understanding of how our health and ultimately our destiny as a species are inextricably intertwined with the natural world. In Search of Balance explores a vision of health, science and nature that recognizes the importance of the interconnections between us, the food we consume, how we produce that food and the natural world at large including the mysterious, invisible world of the human microbiome. From the islands of Hawaii to rural villages of Italy, physician, author and ‘health explorer’, Dr. Daphne Miller guides us through conversations with scientists, doctors, farmers and personal stories of healing to uncover the myriad ways we are connected to everything around us.

The second day opened up with Vince Mina introducing us to his farm’s method of producing natural farming inputs. A flat spade is invaluable to his operation. Simple tools make natural farming a practical solution for a growing world.

Majority of the Second day was panels. I recorded them audibly and will update this post with them here as the become available.

The day finished up with visible evidence of natural farming improving ‘soil tilth’. This can be measured in many ways, and Dr. Kun Hui Wei uses a variety of methods to quantify the results such as biological nematode populations, soil penetrometer tests, records of harvests and salable yields, and shows the results of several test comparisons of conventional, organic and natural farming in Hawai’i.

The first day opened up with Vince Mina introducing us to his farm’s method of producing worm vermicompost, various natural farming inputs and inoculated ‘functionalized’ char covered in mycelium as seen under a microscope! A really good immediate introduction to natural farming and regenerative soil practices lived and used on a daily basis. Simple tools make natural farming a practical solution for a growing world.

Local business leader Derek Karisu had some fine words to share in his encounters marketing natural farming products. He has carried IMOlizer in his stores for over 5 years and has had several thousand satisfied customers.

We then went out into the courtyard to hear and see the experts of Natural Farming. Ginger John, Dr. Park and Jackie Prell all shared how they live natural farming every moment of their lives and the recipes they use to keep a steady supply of beneficial microbes to improve human and soil health.

Richard Parea has been practicing natural farming because it is practical and effective. He has successully adapted many methods of Gil Carandang into his mostly spray to invigorate plant growth approach to natural farming. Liquids are a great way to get started and fermented plant juice is an essential drink to restore the human micro biome!

Dr. Park has significantly improved his digestion by a daily addition of 1 oz of Lactic Acid Bacteria, and can now have a regular life with only 20% of a stomach. Hear and see his miraculous story while he explains how to make LAB at home.

Drake formulated all the solutions presented throughout the day into an easy to follow and use practical guide for all levels of natural farmer. Starting with the classic formulas learned in Korea, simplified down to a maintenance solution as the common denominator, as one easy way to take care of plants and your microbial environment. The remaining part of the talk is devoted to a primer on biology from a natural farmers perspective. What do we want to see in the soil on a microscopic level? How can I identify beneficial fungus are indicators of vibrant and diverse soil conditions? Find out why natural farmers are bringing the soils back to life and eating better because of it.